Lakewood school board President Barry Iann quits for second time

Lakewood School Superintendent Laura Winters delivers about 1000 essays from district students to the Department of Education during a Trenton protest over educational cuts and funding.
STAFF VIDEO BY THOMAS P. COSTELLO

"The state robs us. We're paying taxes in Lakewood and not getting anything back. We should have our own complete in-district special education, which would save millions of dollars by keeping our students here, but the state shorts us on our money every time,'' he said.

Lakewood has about 6,000 public school students, but around 30,000 children in private schools. The state gives funding based on the smaller public school population, even though the district is required to provide busing and special education services for private school students.

"Every time the public goes to the board meetings, they blame the board. We don’t print money. The state is to blame,'' Iann said.

Iann, 60, said he was quitting in an email to school district officials. He joined the board after winning election in 2015 as a write-in candidate for a one-year unexpired term and was re-elected to a three-year term in 2016.

“I sought to resign from the School Board last month. You asked me then to stay on and I agreed. An effective leader is able to unite a Board on key issues. It is clear to me that although you asked me to stay on, I cannot achieve such unity. I therefore tender my resignation from the Board,” he wrote.

"I am personally appreciative of your confidence in having chosen me as President, in asking me to stay on, and for sharing deep concern for the children of our District. I know that this will be your sole concern as you carefully choose a superintendent, and as you retain Board Counsel, seeking professional leaders who are able to help the district overcome its significant funding and operating challenges.”